Burning Bridges by Amy Shindler Directed by Sharren Read

“Burning Bridges”  by Amy Shindler, Directed by Sharren Read

3rd-13th April 2024

Kate, and Dan (born in the 90s), are professional colleagues and newlyweds. They invite Kate’s younger sister, Sarah, who is autistic for a two week visit. However Sarah has some major surprises for them and things quickly spin out of control. Life quickly spirals into a nightmare of accusation and intrigue.

A love triangle with a dangerous twist, this moving and funny play explores the everyday dilemmas of a young woman living with autism: what to eat, “I don’t eat Yellow“;  what to watch on TV, “Babylon 5“; and how to seduce your sister’s husband with a piece of cake “Guess what I’m thinking of now”

Directors message:-  As I reflect on the journey of bringing this play to life, it is important to acknowledge that we all understood that telling this story required an awareness and empathy with our neuro-diverse community.  We embarked on a journey whereby we researched and consulted with experts and individuals who live with autism.

We listened to their stories, gaining valuable insights.  This however, is not a play about being neuro-diverse, although one of the characters lives with autism.  That means she processes the world in a different way from most of us.  This is not wrong, but does require acceptance.

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‘Autism is not a disease.  Don’t try to cure us.  Try to understand us’ – Brian R. King

‘Autism is not a tragedy.  Ignorance is a tragedy’  –  Kim Stagliano

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Cast:  Briar Tucker (Kate Thomas); Josh McKee (Dan Thomas); Jasmine Gallagher (Sara Seliman); Regan Tate (Detective/Waiter)